JANE AUSTEN’S ‘EMMA’ @ THE GENESIAN THEATRE

The Genesian Theatre Company, responding to the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death, is currently presenting a production of Austen’s classic novel EMMA with the stage adaptation by its very own Pamela Whalan.

EMMA tells the story of the mischievous Emma Woodhouse, a spirited, independent young woman who has no plans to marry. She does, however, spend a lot of her time matchmaking others! In the end, she herself falls into the most tender of traps.

I went on opening night and the full house embraced the performance. No doubt, there were many Jane Austen devotees amongst them.

We entered the theatre to be treated to another finely detailed period set – the time the early nineteenth century- by Owen Gimblett. Over his time with the Company Gimblett has put together over 25 mainstage sets.

Gimblett set places us in the sitting room of the Hatfield house where we stay for much of the action.

There is only one major set change which takes place during Act 2. As a result of the hard work of some stagehands, dressed in traditional black, the stage is transformed into the outer area of a fancy ballroom.

Michael Schell’s soundscape featured excerpts of lush orchestral music which greeted us when entering the theatre and was also played as bridging music between scenes. The play featured some eight scene changes in all.

Peter Henson’s period costumes were a highlight. I couldn’t keep up with all the number of costume changes which took place, especially for the very busy leading lady.

Pamela Whalan’s adaptation worked well though some of the ladies speeches did ramble on more than a bit.

Genesian Theatre Company Artistic Director Barry Nielsen helmed the production and his direction saw the actors play a lot to the audience. In moments that counted,  especially when revealing a character’s deeper thoughts, the actor would venture to the front of the stage. Refreshingly, actors did not stay talking to each other in one spot for long, with Whalan keeping the action moving well.

Emma Wright gave an elegant, nicely judged performance n the title role.

Genesian regular Timothy Bennett  was well cast as Emma’s overprotective, pedantic father and his neurotic overbearingness drew laughter from the audience.

Nathan Bennett deftly played the mild mannered and thoughtful Mr Knightly, one of the few people in her social group who  Emma listened to.

Mr and Mrs Weston were well played by David Stewart-Hunter and Rowena McNicol.

Kathryn Hutchins impressed playing ‘delicate flower’ Harriet who is too easily led by Emma’s matchmaking whims and antics.

Turea Blyth gave a very oomphy performance as the bubbly, well coiffured Miss Bates

Joshua Adam played the kind hearted, well meaning Frank Churchill. Charlotte Robinson played pretty young thing, Jane.

One of the show’s highlights was the comic byplay which took place between newly married couple, the garrulous Mrs Elton, played by Grace Swadling, and Mr Elton, played by Dimitri Armatas. A well staged scene, perhaps inspired by some improvisation, saw Grace bob up and down from her chair whilst making a point, and passing her teacup to Dimitri who would anxiously hold onto it until she grabbed it back again. Whenever Grace would glance across to Dimitri, Dimitri would cutely blink back at her.

Astutely placed in the middle of our winter months, EMMA was a very warm, cosy night at the theatre,

EMMA is playing the Genesian Theatre, 420 Kent street, inner city, until Saturday 19th August. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7.30pm and Sundays at 4.30pm.

www.genesiantheatre.com.au

 

3 comments

  1. I am not sure why Emma Wright being “tall, slender and attractive” is something you feel the need to review. Please can I have a physical description of each other cast member so that I may adequately benchmark their acting prowess.

    • Cathy, I agree with you. I will remove this description. Hard to get everything when one writes a detailed review. Best wishes
      David

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